ETERNITY IN THE HEART: A KEY TO ECCLESIASTES
Chapter Ecc_3:11
Newberry’s rendering of this text enables us to see the meaning of this book in a clearer light." He hath set eternity in their heart, without which no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end." The word translated "world" here only occurs in one other place, where the meaning is ages, or eternity. This book deals with "things under the sun": the mundane things of earth, seen in the light of Nature’s revealer. The "Preacher" begins with "Vanity of Vanities," then proceeds to demonstrate the truthfulness of his convictions. He gave "his heart to search out," and to "see all the works that are done under the sun," and to "prove" his heart with every earthly good. He made "great works," and "withheld not his heart from any joy." Yet he pronounced it "all vanity and vexation of spirit." So deeply did he drink of all the waters of the world’s pleasures that he said: "What can the man do that cometh after the king?" (Ecc_2:12). What man can have any chance of satisfying his heart with the material things of earth, when he, the richest and wisest man on earth, failed? Why did he fail so miserably after such an earnest, favourable and exhaustive experiment? Here is the answer: "God hath set eternity in the heart." That which belongs to eternity cannot find its counterpart in those things which are only temporal. Although there is "a time" to every purpose under the heavens, there is nothing circumscribed by time that is not "vanity and vexation of spirit" to that which is eternal. As God hath set eternity in the heart, He means to set eternal things there. Observe-
I.-THE FACT OF IT. "Eternity is in the heart." In its very constitution, as the workmanship of God. The heart, here, may stand for man’s essential character, as distinct from the lower animal creation. When Duncan Matheson prayed, "Lord stamp eternity upon my eyeballs," he was uttering words which revealed the most profound characteristic of the human soul. God hath set eternity in the heart by setting there the thought of it, the desire after it, kinship to it, and capacity for it.
II.-THE EVIDENCE OF IT. The evidence of this truth is apparent in the universal belief in immortality found among the early Egyptians. Babylonians, Persians, Hebrews, Hindus, Chinese, South Sea Islanders, Druids and Celts. But perhaps one of the most convincing proofs of it may be seen in the universal restlessness of the human heart. Towards the things of this world, like the sea, it is ever crying: "Give, Give," and never fully satisfied therewith. One of the wealthiest men in modern times declared to a friend" I am not to be envied; How can my wealth help me? I would give you my millions if you could give me your youth and health." Youth and health in themselves could only enable him to repeat his own and Solomon’s abortive experiment. "Man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth," but in the things which God possesseth. Surely the capacity of the human heart for the love and fellowship of the eternal God is an argument of no mean force. The heart’s desire, in its truest and best moments, is for the "things which are eternal." Even pagan philosophers have acknowledged this." "The presage of a future life," says Cicero, "is most discoverable in the greatest and most exalted souls." When the glamour of sunny circumstances vanishes in some calamity or domestic affliction, then the deeper and more enduring instincts of the soul assert themselves.
III.-THE PURPOSE OF IT. "Without which no man can find out the work that God maketh." It takes the attribute of eternity in the heart to contemplate the character of God and His work Eternity in the heart is-
1. A Witness to the Eternity of God. It has been set there as a testimony to the fact of His eternal Personality, and man’s kinship to Him.
2. A Protest against Worldly-mindedness. Just as a man can profit nothing by gaining the world, and losing his life, so the eternity in the heart can only be deceived by loving and resting on the things of time- he layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God (Luk_12:19-21). Those who "mind" earthly things" are enemies of that Cross which stands for heavenly and eternal things.
3. An Incentive to seek eternal things.. The fact that God hath set eternity in the heart, is surely meant to be a powerful incentive to seek those things which are above. "Like draws to like."
4. An Evidence of God’s love. Let the deep in the heart call unto the deep that is in God. God hath set that deep there that He might fill it out of the deep of His own infinite fulness.
5. A Warning against the neglect of Salvation. To neglect eternal salvation is to choose eternal death. Eternity is in your heart whether it is found or lost. "Son, daughter, give Me thine heart." He who hath set eternity in it is best able to meet and satisfy its every need.
THE SONG OF SONGS
Christ’s Desirableness, Chapter Son_1:4
This "Song of Songs which is Solomon’s" is seldom sung by self-seeking souls. To many carnal Christians it is either too mystical or spiritual to be of any practical interest. It is a Song parable of Love, or spiritual friendship, and must be interpreted as such. The language is uniformly metaphorical, perhaps, that it might be easily and growingly applicable to spiritual relationships. The two leading personalities assume the character of Bridegroom and Bride, suggestive at once of Christ and the Church. This is confirmed by the intenseness of the language used throughout by both parties, revealing deep and tender feelings. The first to speak is the Bride. This sudden outburst of burning desire reveals-
I.-HER ESTIMATION OF HIS CHARACTER. She declares that-
1. His love is better than wine. She knew this because she had had some experience of it. Wine here stands for the exhilarating and luxurious pleasures of the world. But His love is more effectual, coming from a better source, and producing better and more lasting results. Wine is man-made, love is of God (Rom_8:38-39).
2. His Name is an ointment poured forth. His name is His character, a precious ointment, that contains all the ingredients needed to heal the wounds of humanity (Act_3:16). This ointment hath been poured forth in Word, and in blood, that its efficacy may be tested and enjoyed (2Co_8:9). This pouring forth of saving virtue implies God’s generosity and man’s opportunity and responsibility. "Therefore do the virgins (pure hearts) love Him," while the harlots pass Him by. It is to the glory of Christ that He is loved by the purest of minds. The savour of His name is eternally satisfying (Act_4:12). "Unto you which believe He is precious."
II.-HER DESIRE FOR HIS APPROVAL. She longs for-
1. His Personal favour. "Let Him kiss me," etc. Him…. me. Her aching heart, empty and lonely, yearns for a token of His love. Nothing else can satisfy. It is not enough to hear of His love, or see others rejoicing in it, "Let Him kiss me." Personal contact needed. His kiss is a token of affection, favour, and friendship. This grace can only come from Him. God breathed into Adam-kissed him-and he became a living soul. Mat_4:4.
2. His Personal Influence. "Draw me, we will run after Thee" (Son_1:4). Having been reconciled, she longs to follow. Christ is God’s magnet to draw souls to Himself (Joh_6:44). His influence over the life should be an unceasing draw. He draws by His Word and His Cross, wherever He is "lifted up." This prayer of the Bride is a proof of her love for Him, and devotion to Him. Her self-denial will affect others, "we will run." The more powerfully our lives are influenced by Christ the more swiftly shall we run after Him, and the more likely are we to move others. It is better to draw than to drive. If His influence does not draw us after Him, there are other influences that will certainly draw us from Him. He will have a willing people in the day of His power.
III.-HER EXPERIENCE OF HIS FELLOWSHIP. Her prayer has been answered. He has drawn and she did run, and the results have been abundantly satisfying. We now find her-
1. Companying with Him. "The King hath brought me into His chambers" (Son_1:4). These chambers represent His own personal possessions. All His unsearchable riches are at her disposal. His peace, His rest, His joy, His wealth, what a portion? These present possessions represent the full Salvation Christ desires to give those who lovingly follow Him. He brought her in, she never could have entered His chambers without His liberty and guidance. The way into the Holy of Holies is now open to every blood-washed Spirit-led soul (Php_3:12-14).
2. Rejoicing in Him. "We will be glad and rejoice in Thee." With loving kindness has she been drawn, and with infinite plenty hath she been satisfied. The Bridegroom did it all for her, so she will rejoice in Him. It is always with gladness and rejoicing that anyone is brought into this King’s palace (Psa_45:15). There is no night there; it is a banqueting-house, with a canopy of love. All my springs, both the upper and nether-for soul and body-are in Thee.
3. Testifying of Him. "We will make mention of Thy love" (Son_1:4, R.v.). His love, like Himself, cannot be hid. His love, like Jonathan, constrained Him to strip Himself for our adorning (2Co_8:9). Shall it not also constrain us to speak forth its praise? At this world’s "Babel Streams" the heavenly minstrel can only sit and weep if he has no other fountain opened. Make mention of His love, for it is better than the world’s wine. It is not a plant that grows among the weeds of Nature’s garden, it is an exotic from above (Rom_5:5). The "upright" love Him, although the learned and the fashionable may reject Him (1Co_6:29).
"O cold ungrateful heart, that can from Jesus turn,
When living fires of love within His heart doth burn."
Autor: James Smith